Healthcare

March 2018

Jefferson Journal: Medicaid Expansion a Huge Budget Risk —
By Michael Thompson The current budget stalemate over Medicaid expansion is similar to what the state faced in former Governor Terry McAuliffe's first year in office. But the issue deserves a full and vibrant debate in the General Assembly, because expanding Medicaid is a risky business for the long-term financial health of the state budget. (3/14/2018) Read It Here!

February 2018

New Poll: Virginians Support Medicaid Work Requirement By Three to One Margin —
2/8/2018 -- The Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy today released a poll conducted by Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategies showing strong support in all areas of the state for a work requirement for able-bodied Medicaid recipients. By a 68 to 22 percent margin, Virginia voters support a work requirement for those receiving Medicaid.

Virginia's Hospitals: Their Financial Strength Improves —
A new study by the Thomas Jefferson Institute shows that the overall finances of Virginia hospitals have substantially improved between the numbers published in 2016 and those in December 2017. More important is the bigger picture: Since 2012, hospital profits have risen from $1.58 billion to $2.15 billion, hospital net worth has risen from $14.75 billion to $19.3 billion, and the number of hospitals operating at a deficit has fallen from 42 to 28. As hospitals argue for Medicaid expansion and monopoly-type protections provided by Certificate of Public Need laws, these are figures worth keeping in mind. Read It Here!